After arranging services with funeral homes in South Bend, IN., you will be going through a difficult time. Grieving the loss of a loved one is never easy but can be even more difficult around the holidays. After all, the holidays are a time for friends and family to get together and spend time connecting with one another. When you are missing your loved one, this is probably the last thing on your mind.
While holiday parties, Christmas decorations, and joyful holiday music can bring feelings of joy, they can also stir up feelings of sadness. Although there will always be sad moments when grieving a loved one over the holidays, there are a few things you can do to help ease the pain.
Start a New Tradition
You may still practice the holiday traditions you did as a child. Maybe it’s allowing one present to be open on Christmas Eve or driving around looking at all the Christmas lights people have hung up. Whatever it is, these traditions bring us comfort and stir up wonderful memories of years past.
This is a great time to start a new tradition with your loved one in mind. One idea is to purchase a small tabletop Christmas tree and decorate it with a theme for your loved one. For example, if they loved fishing you could get ornaments and decorations with a fishing motif. Getting this tree out each year and decorating it is a great way to keep their memory alive. You could also hang a stocking up in their honor or set a place setting for them at the holiday table.
Volunteer
The holidays are a great time to get involved and volunteer. Did your loved one feel passionate about a charity or cause? Reach out to those organizations and see how you can help. Even if your loved one didn’t have a specific cause, there are many places that would love your help over the holidays. You can do an internet search for volunteering in your area to view some options. You can also call your local humane society or homeless shelters to see how you can be of use.
Take Care of Yourself
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be a lot for anyone to handle. Parties, shopping, wrapping presents, cooking and more is enough to throw the most organized person for a loop. Most people put self-care on the backburner during this time. This is never a good idea as your mental and physical health should always come first.
If you are grieving a loss at this time, it may be even more difficult for you to think about putting yourself first, but you must make yourself a priority. The stronger you feel both mentally and physically, the better equipped you will be for handling all that comes your way.
Set aside time to do things just for you. Read, hike, paint, write a letter, listen to music, relax in the bath; whatever refills your heart and soul with joy and comfort; do that.
In Conclusion
While the holidays may always bring moments of sadness, there are ways to ease those moments and add in touches of joy and happiness. Starting a new tradition, volunteering, and making sure you are taking care of yourself are just some of these ways.
When you are talking to funeral homes in South Bend, IN., ask them about additional resources and support groups that can also help you in this time. The compassionate staff at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center is always here to help you with anything you may need.